Bain Capital take Vitabiotics
Private investment firm Bain Capital has agreed to acquire UK vitamins, minerals and supplements business Vitabiotics.
The deal includes Vitabiotics’ UK operations and the wider VB Group, which also includes Meyer Organics in India and its African operations.
Vitabiotics said the UK would remain central to the business, with no immediate changes to day-to-day operations. The company will continue to invest in digital capabilities, e-commerce, international distribution, supply chain resilience and new product development.
Bain Capital stated it would draw on its local market knowledge in India, together with its sector expertise and global resources, to support Vitabiotics’ international expansion, particularly in key growth markets including the Middle East, North Africa and China.
Founded in 1971 by Professor Kartar Lalvani OBE, Vitabiotics has grown into one of the UK’s leading science-led supplement companies and over the past decade has been led by his son and Dragons’ Den regular, Tej Lalvani, as group chief executive. The business’ portfolio has expanded to include brands such as Pregnacare, Perfectil, Wellman, Wellwoman, Osteocare and the Ultra range.
“This direction is not about changing who we are; it is about accelerating what we can become. With Bain Capital’s global expertise and investment behind us, we have a unique opportunity to expand.”
Following completion of the transaction, Professor Kartar Lalvani will become chairman emeritus in recognition of his contribution to the business.
“This marks a defining moment in Vitabiotics’ journey,” said Tej Lalvani. “I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to build on my father’s vision to harness the power of science and nutrition to improve everyday health and, together with our exceptional team, help transform Vitabiotics from a British family business into one of the world’s most trusted vitamin and wellness companies.
“This direction is not about changing who we are; it is about accelerating what we can become. With Bain Capital’s global expertise and investment behind us, we have a unique opportunity to expand internationally, accelerate our innovation and take our trusted brands to millions more consumers, while staying true to the science, quality and values that have defined Vitabiotics for more than 55 years.”
Pawan Singh, a partner at Bain Capital, adds: “Vitabiotics is exactly the type of business we support: a trusted, science-led brand platform with category leadership, strong healthcare professional credibility and meaningful presence across the UK, India, the Middle East, Africa and China. Our India team has deep experience partnering with healthcare and consumer businesses, and we look forward to supporting Vitabiotics’ next phase of growth.”
Completion remains subject to closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
By Jane Wolfe, contributor